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Insurance Claim Guide

Filing a Claim with State Farm After a Car Accident in Colorado

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States and one of the most common carriers in Colorado. While they have a relatively lower complaint ratio than many competitors, their "we'll take care of everything" approach can work against you. Here is what you need to know to protect your claim.

Claims Phone:1-800-732-5246(24/7)
Online:statefarm.com
Mobile App:Available

State Farm Claims Track Record

0.84

NAIC Complaint Index

16% fewer complaints than average

Above Avg

J.D. Power Satisfaction

Claims satisfaction score

#1

Market Share

Largest U.S. auto insurer

What to Expect from State Farm's Claims Process

1

Report the Accident

Call 1-800-732-5246, use the State Farm app, or file online. You will be assigned a claim number and a claims adjuster.

2

Adjuster Contact

A State Farm adjuster will contact you, usually within 1 to 2 business days. They will ask for your account of the accident and may request a recorded statement. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer.

3

Vehicle Inspection & Repair

State Farm will arrange for a vehicle inspection or have you take your car to an approved repair shop. They use their Select Service program for preferred shops. You have the right to choose your own repair shop in Colorado.

4

Settlement Offer

State Farm tends to make relatively quick initial offers. For property damage, this is often within 1 to 2 weeks. For injury claims, they will typically wait until you reach "maximum medical improvement." Their first offer is negotiable.

Common State Farm Claims Tactics

Quick Initial Offers

State Farm is known for making fast initial settlement offers, particularly on smaller claims. While speed sounds good, these offers are made before your full medical treatment is complete. They count on you wanting to close the matter quickly.

"We'll Take Care of Everything"

State Farm adjusters often adopt a friendly, reassuring tone suggesting you do not need an attorney. While many adjusters are genuinely helpful, their job is to settle claims for as little as possible. Friendliness and fairness are not the same thing.

Recorded Statement Requests

State Farm adjusters will often ask for a recorded statement early in the process. If you are filing against your own State Farm policy, your policy may require cooperation. If it is the other driver's State Farm policy, you are not required to give one.

Minimizing Non-Economic Damages

For injury claims, State Farm often focuses on "specials" (medical bills and lost wages) and minimizes pain and suffering. They may argue that your treatment was excessive or unrelated to the accident.

Colorado-Specific Coverage with State Farm

Your Rights as a Colorado Policyholder

  • You have the right to choose your own repair shop. State Farm cannot require you to use their Select Service shops.
  • State Farm must respond to communications and settle claims promptly under Colorado regulations.
  • If State Farm unreasonably delays or denies your claim, Colorado law can allow recovery of up to double benefits plus attorney fees under CRS 10-3-1115.
  • Your rates cannot be surcharged for a not-at-fault claim under Colorado law.

MedPay Through State Farm

If you carry MedPay on your State Farm policy, file this claim immediately after your accident. MedPay pays your medical bills regardless of fault, with no deductible. It covers you and your passengers. State Farm is required to offer MedPay under Colorado law.

UM/UIM Coverage

If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, your State Farm UM/UIM coverage steps in. Colorado requires that State Farm offer this coverage. If you have it, you can file against your own policy for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your UM/UIM limits.

When to Handle It Yourself vs. Get a Lawyer

You Can Likely Handle It Yourself If:

  • Property damage only (no injuries)
  • Liability is clear and undisputed
  • Total damages are under $5,000
  • State Farm's offer covers all your documented costs

Consider a Lawyer If:

  • You have any injuries, even "minor" ones
  • State Farm disputes fault or offers far less than your bills
  • Multiple vehicles or parties are involved
  • You missed work or have ongoing treatment
  • State Farm asks for broad medical record access

Frequently Asked Questions: State Farm Claims in Colorado

How do I file a car accident claim with State Farm in Colorado?
You can file a claim with State Farm by calling 1-800-732-5246 (available 24/7), through the State Farm mobile app, or online at statefarm.com. You will need your policy number, the date and location of the accident, the other driver's information, and a description of what happened. Filing sooner is better.
How long does State Farm take to settle a car accident claim?
Simple property damage claims with State Farm in Colorado are often settled within 2 to 4 weeks. Injury claims take longer, typically 30 to 90 days for straightforward cases, and 6 months to over a year for serious injuries. State Farm tends to move faster on claims where liability is clear.
Does State Farm offer MedPay in Colorado?
Yes. State Farm is required by Colorado law to offer Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage when you purchase or renew your policy. If you have MedPay with State Farm, it covers your medical bills regardless of fault. Typical limits are $5,000 to $50,000. File your MedPay claim as soon as you begin treatment.
Should I accept State Farm's first settlement offer?
Generally, no. State Farm's initial offers are calculated to close claims quickly and cheaply. They are made before your medical treatment is complete and before the true cost of your injuries is known. Studies show that claimants who negotiate or hire attorneys receive significantly higher settlements on average. At minimum, get a full medical evaluation before accepting anything.
Will my State Farm rates go up if I file a claim in Colorado?
If you are at fault, your rates will likely increase at your next renewal. Colorado law prohibits surcharges for claims where you were not at fault. State Farm also has accident forgiveness programs (Steer Clear, Drive Safe & Save) that may prevent a rate increase for your first at-fault accident, depending on your policy.
What if State Farm denies my claim?
Request the denial in writing with a specific reason. Common reasons include policy lapses, coverage disputes, or fault disagreements. You can appeal with additional evidence, file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA), or consult an attorney. If State Farm unreasonably denies a valid claim, Colorado's bad faith law (CRS 10-3-1115) allows you to recover up to double the benefit plus attorney fees.
Do I need a lawyer for a State Farm car accident claim?
For minor fender-benders with no injuries and clear liability, you can likely handle the claim yourself. Consider a lawyer if you have significant injuries, the other driver disputes fault, State Farm is offering far less than your medical bills, or the accident involved multiple vehicles. Most personal injury attorneys offer free case reviews and work on contingency (no upfront fees).

Dealing with State Farm After Your Accident?

A Colorado personal injury attorney can evaluate your claim for free, handle all communication with State Farm, and fight for fair compensation. You pay nothing unless they win.

Talk to an Attorney - Free, No Obligation

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